The Rockliff Liberal Government is committed to supporting women and children affected by family violence through funding upgrades and expansions of our women’s shelters.
The Launceston Women’s Shelter now has an additional 15 self-contained one, two, and three-bedroom units and associated facilities, including a multi-purpose centre, laundries and a children’s playground.
This expansion will more than double the shelter’s capacity to help women and their children.
”Increasing assistance for women and children escaping family violence is a key initiative under Tasmania’s Affordable Housing Action Plan 2019-2023,” Minister Barnett said.
”The Launceston Women’s Shelter, known as Magnolia Place, has been operating since 1975 to provide short-term crisis accommodation for women and their children who are escaping family violence or experiencing homelessness.
”I want to thank the CEO Jenny Bertram and her team of committed shelter staff for the support, comfort and safety they provide so many women and children each day.
”I know Ms Bertram has had a long-term vision to expand Magnolia House and it is extremely gratifying that through Homes Tasmania, we have been able to help achieve this ambition,” Minister Barnett said.
The Tasmanian Government provided $4 million to fund this expansion and the Australian Government provided $1.9 million through the Safe Places Grant Program, which provides funding for new or expanded crisis accommodation for women and children experiencing family violence.
Through Homes Tasmania, the Tasmanian and Australian governments have contributed to three projects aimed at increasing the supply of homelessness accommodation for women and children including the expansion of Magnolia House.
Jireh House was able to expand their capacity with two additional three-bedroom homes in southern Tasmania and the Salvation Army are constructing six additional units at McCombe House.
More than $36 million per year is invested in specialist homelessness services across the State, including shelters, which is the first step towards stable accommodation, living independently and improved health and wellbeing.
Women in Tasmania can access a range of additional housing options across our strategies, including new social housing, supported accommodation, homeless accommodation and Family Violence Rapid Rehousing.
Housing is a key priority for the Tasmanian Government’s and our 10-year, $1.5 billion affordable and social housing package to construct 10,000 new homes is the single largest housing investment in the State’s history.
We set a target to building 1,500 social and affordable homes and units by June 2023 and we are on track with 735 homes built as at December 31, 2022.
If you are at risk of homelessness, please contact Housing Connect, 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 800 588.
